Erik Marcussen

Erik Marcussen born in Aalso, Denmark on May 4,1930 passed away in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on April 7, 2022 at 91 years old.

Erik stoically said a few months before his passing, “I created this life, and it is wonderful.” 

Erik’s mother passed when he was thirteen. He was raised by his father and maternal grandmother. He grew up in Grenaa, Denmark by the Danish Kattegat Sea during the 1940-1945 Nazi occupation. Living by the Danish Kattegat inspired a love of the ocean and his first job. 

After War World II, Erik joined the Danish Merchant Marine Service when he was 16 years old. His first voyage, at 16 years old, started by plane to New York City to meet a Maersk ship where he would be a Mess Mate and culminate as a Chief Cook. He also worked on passenger ships operating between Denmark, Norway, and England. This sparked his passions for traveling, food and recipes. 

Erik fell in love with the United States of America when he stepped foot on this soil. He proceeded to travel the world, crossing the equator 11 times.  When he was 26, he joined the United States Air Force in a special program that allowed him to gain US citizenship in a shorter period-of-time. He proudly and gratefully became an American citizen in 1959. He married Anne with whom he raised 4 children that he loved deeply and imparted his great wisdom and love of knowledge. They settled in Ocean Springs. 

He retired from the Air Force at Keesler after 20 years of service. He started as a Radio Operator and finished his career as an accomplished Technical Writer. Following his retirement, he also worked as a Senior Engineering Writer for Ingalls Shipyard, finally retiring in 1993. A favorite story of his was that he was required to learn the English Language starting at 7 years old. He told his teacher that he didn’t need to learn to English, as he would never need it in his life.  His stories and talents inspired his children in travel, cooking, writing, reading, lounging and enjoying the outdoors. He also painted, which was an inspiration of a different kind, because we all knew he was color blind.

Erik is survived by his 4 children: Stig Marcussen and sons Fin and Reef of Ocean Springs MS; Anne (Milano) Reyna and sons Nicholas and Christoph of Wayne NJ; Leif Marcussen of Ocean Springs MS; Lisa Marcussen ( Rudy T) of Austin TX, children Jeremy Mohler of Austin TX and Britny (Brandon) Knox of Destin FL with the 2 great-grandchildren, Beau and Brynn Knox.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Erik Marcussen.